February 10, 2015

Introducing Spot.

February 09, 2015

Review: Pelican cases for iPhone 6 Plus and iPad Air

We had the opportunity to review two new cases from Pelican, the Voyager 307030 iPhone 6 Plus and the 311030 Voyager iPod Air 2. Both are constructed of impact absorbing materials, and both designed to protect their respectful units from shocks and drops. The iPhone 6 Plus case also includes a couple of scratch resistant coated screen protectors. Both are tested to "Military Specifications to survive multiple drops", which means they meet the requirements of MIL-STD-810, the Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests.

First off, let's get this straight, if you are a lover of the look and feel of your Apple products, the slim lines and smooth curves, lightweight and slick glass and aluminum, these cases are not for you. However, if you are using your beloved devices in an environment prone to dropping or abuse, and you want to protect your precious puppies, these are just the ticket. Essentially, these cases are like wrapping your device in a Humvee; they may not be the prettiest, lightest, or easiest to use, but that's not their job. Their job is to protect the delicate stuff inside!

Pelican Progear Voyager iPhone 6 Plus case:
These new Voyager cases are constructed of TPR and PU rubber inside a rigid polycarbonate shell. Included is an integrated kickstand with dual positioning for typing and video viewing, as well as silicon ridges around the case to increase grip and discourage sliding. Plus you also get a handy belt clip!

Port flaps on the iPhone Plus case are nicely protected, but that does mean it's harder to access them. Using the mute switch is a bit of a chore, I doubt you'll be flipping this on and off in your pocket. For me personally, the case also adds too much height around the iPhone's front screen, especially around the home button. If this area was tapered around the button, I think the case would be much more comfortable to use. Conspicuously missing was a rear protector screen for the camera hole. If you go to this much trouble to protect your iPhone, you may as well have a rear clear screen for the camera and flash too. (Perhaps you could use the second screen protector for that purpose.) That said, this is one tough case and if you need to protect your iPhone in rough conditions, you'll want to take a look at Pelican's offerings.

Check out the video below for a great overview of the C07030 Voyager Case for iPhone 6 Plus...

Voyager Case for iPad Air 2
The Voyager Case for iPad Air 2 features a tough outside shell, with a soft inside lining. It includes a built-in kickstand for typing and media viewing.

Because of the rubber pads on the back, this case makes your iPad nice and non-slippery when it's laying flat on a surface. However, and this is a BIG however, when engaged, the kickstand is very slippery on a smooth surface. Hard plastic meets smooth surface, creating zero traction, and this makes it awkward to use the iPad while on the stand, and worse, it could easily slip off your desk if you bump it. (Good thing it's in the case if it does! :P) IMHO, Pelican needs to redesign this aspect of the kickstand, adding non-slip contact points.

To wrap up, if you are a fan of a light, thin, naked, iPad Air 2, you're not going to be happy with this case on at all times. That said, if you're want an extremely rugged case and you use your device where the chance of dropping it is great, or if you have an iPad-loving child in the house, then you might find this cases are perfect for you. And bonus points, both cases are covered by Pelican's lifetime guarantee: <i>You break it, we replace it...forever.</i>

Note: This Valentine's Day, Pelican is offering special Voyager cases for the new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 1/2/3. For those who like a lack of color, the case comes in black and grey, while those who enjoy the flashy side of life can pick up the stylish pink and grey.